Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area

Banner Marsh is a wildlife management area along the Illinois River with deep lakes, floodplain forests, levees, shallow marshes, and extensive grasslands covering about 4,400 acres. The site contains numerous water bodies and provides varied habitats for different animal species across seasons.

The land experienced coal strip mining from the 1880s through the 1980s, then transitioned to agricultural use. Eventually, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources acquired and restored it as a protected natural area.

The location is recognized as an Important Bird Area and draws birdwatchers who can observe over 200 species across different seasons. The land reflects the importance of wetlands for people interested in conservation and wildlife observation.

Access is through three public points with parking, boat ramps for small vessels, and restrooms on site. Visitors find designated areas for fishing and hunting with opportunities for various outdoor activities depending on the season.

The area contains dozens of lakes of different sizes, each individually named and shaping the landscape distinctly. These numerous water bodies partly resulted from earlier mining activities and now offer varied opportunities for water enthusiasts and observers.